Cab Plus Extended Cab Pickup

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Review

2002
Mazda
B-3000 Review

Holds its own among the heavy competition.

Reviewed by Automotive on
6/3/2002

Overview

The 2002 Mazda B3000, like the B2300, is a six-generation pickup truck in the B-Series lineup that was created in 1961. It seats up to five people in the extended cab version and three people in the regular cab and it is based on the Ford Ranger pickup truck. This rear-drive truck is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. The extended cabs have dual rear-hinged doors that can only be opened when the front doors are opened. Mazda named the trucks to denote the engine displacement; that is, the B2300 has a 2.3-liter engine, the B3000 has a 3.0-liter engine, and the B-4000 has a 4.0-liter engine. All members of the B-Series family come with either manual or automatic transmission. The B2300 has only rear-drive while the B3000 and B-4000 have either rear-drive or four-wheel drive. Since these trucks are based on the Ford Ranger, the performance and amenities are similar.

The Range

What's New

The biggest change that the 2002 Mazda B3000 receives was a name change. Mazda changed the name from B3000 to simply, ""Truck."" It also receives a new off-road equipment package that includes bucket seats, automatic day/night rearview mirror, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, and tubular side steps.

Exterior

The 2002 Mazda B3000 is available as a regular cab and an extended cab. Standard exterior features for the B3000 include 15-inch steel wheels, sliding rear window, painted bumpers, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, and tinted windows. Consumers can get the optional remote keyless entry, power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors. The options are part of various equipment packages offered by Mazda; some singularly-offered options are only available if Consumers purchase specific options packages.

The 2002 Mazda B3000 has a towing capacity of 3800 pounds, and its cargo bed has a payload capacity of 1260 pounds. It looks similar to the Ford Ranger because it shares some of same mechanical components. The front features multi-beam reflector headlights and a bulging grille that bears the emblem. The gentle shoulders roll down into flat side panels that are interrupted by a horizontal line. The cargo bed has hooks in the floor and a detachable tailgate that does not require any special tools to remove. Consumers can get an optional U-shaped bed extender for longer loads, but it will not keep dirt and loose items from sliding out.

Interior

Standard interior features for the 2002 Mazda B3000 are 60/40-split bench front seat, vinyl upholstery and door trim, power steering, and a two-speaker AM/FM stereo. The extended cab has a two rear jump seats that fold down. Consumers can also get options such as cloth upholstery, air-conditioning, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilting steering wheel, and a bed liner. The dashboard is well-organized and the instrument panel is clean and easy to read. The interior materials used are of good quality and the center stack has large rotary dials for the audio and climate controls. The regular cab has plenty of behind-the-seat storage space and the seats are comfortable. The extended cab version has dual rear-hinged doors allow easier entry/exit to the cab, but the high-step in requires a stretch to get in and out. While there is adequate room for front-seat passengers, the rear is cramped and the jump seats are best used for small children or cargo.

Performance & Handling

The power supply for the 2002 Mazda B3000 is a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and rear drive. The A5 has a standard five-speed automatic transmission. The suspension system consists of a front double-wishbone suspension with coil front springs and rear leaf springs. It displays good acceleration, but the four-cylinder engine seems to be a bit underpowered when towing loads uphill. The ride quality is good when on smooth pavement. The body tends to rattle slightly when driving over rough roads, but the larger bumps are absorbed well. The steering is responsive and stable when cornering. The cabin is moderately insulated to mute wind and road noise better than some compact trucks.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2002 Mazda B3000 include four-wheel anti-lock disc braking system (ABS), ventilated front disc/solid rear drum brakes, side-impact bars, high-mounted center stop light, driver and passenger airbags with deactivation switches, engine immobilizer, and a front anti-roll bar. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave five stars for side driver impact protection and four stars for passenger and driver frontal-impact protection. The NHTSA also gave three stars for rollover protection.